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Testimonials

Krishna (Hyderabad)

When I walked into the doors of HT almost in a blackout (having downed a magnum of Chivas in barely an hour) I did not have any idea that I am about to embark on a totally different journey of my life.

I was immediately in an observation room and went off to sleep in my drunken stupor. When I woke up I saw a hospital like room with a few beds and another guy watching over me with concern. When I asked for a cigarette it was readily given. I settled down back to sleep again, for once relieved to be away from the mess I created for myself outside. I didn’t really know where I was, but sensed that it was a safe, friendly place. One thing I do remember though, the beds were painted in a bright, cheerful orange colour!

Next day the reality dawned on me that I am no longer a ‘free’ man and will have to live by whatever rules, regulations and schedules of this quaint institution.

It was then that I was given the most precious of my processions - AA literature. For sheer lack of anything better to do, I started reading LIVING SOBER and for the first time in my life there came a thought in my mind the may be, just may be, I could be an alcoholic.

On the evening of the third day I joined the group for an in-house meeting and that is where the foundations for my recovery today have been laid. I was astonished when I observed every one sharing honestly their inner most secrets. When I quietly asked a young man how he could do it, his answer stumped me. “Uncle”, he said “I do not care what you think of me. We will be together for not more than 3 months and afterwards we will just be strangers. It does not matter to me what you think of me, but I share for myself”.

This set me thinking and from that day onwards I constantly practiced sharing honestly in the meetings. It made a world of difference. Suddenly I, who was unable to catch a couple of hours sleep even after downing a full bottle, was sleeping like a baby.

Each day was a revelation regarding my addiction being a disease and the way to combat it. It was great relief to know that I was not such a miserable, selfish, self cantered jerk after all, and I was just a sick person.

Though initially I had my own reservations and grandiose opinion of myself, thinking that the counsellors with an exception of one or two, are stupid dropouts dishonestly parroting program, the place is not properly run and needed my expert management touch, and since I assimilated the program now I can go out and take care of myself etc. thankfully I continued my program.

Not that I liked the idea of having to do the things I did not like or not being able to do the things I like. But Big Book reading reinforced my belief that I needed to work this program if I wanted to be alive. And I very much wanted to live.

This brought me face to face with the disease in all its power, day in and day out. When I saw a fellow going on hunger strike asking for freedom (to drink?)from the facility, another jumping from first floor and breaking his arm just to be free to do what he wanted I could see my disease in all its glory and gore.

But the most profound impact on me was the time I spent taking care of the newly admitted fellows in the observation room. Here I got to see what this disease can do to me if I don’t do anything myself.

Especially this gentleman, who helped the director of the centre in to recovery but could not himself to stay sober, was there for almost 3 weeks. He was unable to eat, drink, walk, sit or stand by himself. He did not know where or how he was. He was unable to take care of his basic toilet needs. I needed to clean and wash him after his urination or stools, bathe him and ensure that he did not pick up infections, feed him to keep him alive. He did not comprehend any of these things.

But the only thing on his mind was “HIS DRINK”. He was thinking that I was his helper and was demanding that I pour him a drink from time to time. When I dutifully poured fruit juice for him he used to drink it as if it is his favourite drink. He was evidently hallucinating, as part of acute withdrawal.

If this disease could do this to a rational, well respected human being and turn him in to a hallucinating wreck, I shuddered to think of my future. THAT WAS WHEN I SURRENDERED TO MY PROGRAM OF RECOVERY.

From then on it did not matter to me weather my stay was comfortable or not, weather my co-inmates thought better of me or not, weather some of the counsellors in their own ego trip or manipulation called me dishonest, manipulative and all other things, I wanted my recovery at any or all costs. I WANTED WHAT THE DIRECTOR HAD.

The journey was not easy on the surface but the program and God’s grace in the form of extended stay along with the opportunity to work the program laid a solid foundation of recovery.

I am grateful to Hope Trust for giving my life back. And so much more!

Rahul (Hyderabad, India)

“Hello, I am Rahul and I’m an alcoholic.

The last three words of the sentence were the most difficult for me to admit for many years. I commenced on my drinking career when I was just over fourteen years old. My family, a typical Indian one, didn’t mind me having a drink every now and again. When I picked up my first alcoholic beverage, I was hooked. I do not remember a single time when I did not drink to get drunk or get tipsy – which is not how a ‘gentleman’ drinks. The frequency of my drinking progressively increased, as I got access to more money and the freedom of growing up and having a life of my own. The warning signs that my drinking was problematic probably showed up by the time I was sixteen or seventeen, where I started showing absolutely no fear (or rather arrogance), and turning up at home drunk or overdoing it at parties became a regular occurrence.

College was a great experience! Sadly, I do not remember any of it. I hear about it from people I know and some pictures on my social media pages from the time. But if you ask me, I have no clue. I got into a relationship, with a woman, in college, that lasted five years, and I managed to throw that one away because of my alcoholism. I almost dropped out of college too. My parents used to send me money for my tuition and expenses, and thought that they were doing the right thing by sending me a lumpsum, so that I learned how to budget and manage etc. That ‘budget’ was exhausted within the first month, and the other two and a half months I lived like a pauper - a rather drunk pauper! I picked up my secondary addiction in college, which was gambling. Gambling seemed to be the answer to all my money issues (I wouldn’t have an issue in the first place if I didn’t drink so much and spend lavishly on golfing and parties, etc.). With some initial luck at gambling, I thought that I would make a career out of this. I did win, I did lose, but the margin seemed to be enough to get me through. As my drinking progressively got worse, I started gambling compulsively and impulsively, and managed to lose everything that I had made, my expense kitty, my credit cards over-maxed out, and finally my tuition money.

Bad time for me. I did not know what to do, or how to explain to my parents what I had done with their hard-earned money. Remember that relationship I mentioned earlier, well that bailed me out, or rather she bailed me out with a loan she gave me to pay my tuition for my last semester; she had to accompany me to the registration counter to make sure that I did not got for a drink before and then to a gambling den, and ensure that I paid the tuition.

I graduated, by some miracle; miracle because – I am not incapable, miracle because I thought that opening a text book was best for time spent on the can, the morning of the examination! After graduating I started working almost immediately, and fortune was at my doorstep. I was in the right place at the right time, I am good at what I do, and in the process, I did make some money. I ended up being the youngest sales and marketing director of a publicly listed entity in the industry. Life was destined to be a success, right? Yes, only if I learned not to be pissed-drunk all the time. I was quite disciplined for the first couple of years of my career; binging on weekends only. Slowly the work dynamic (that’s the dynamic I wanted to see) caught up with me, and I was drinking heavily everyday – no drugs (which I experimented in college by the way), just good old fashioned drinking heavily. Somewhere in-between making my career and drinking, I found the time to get married. A lovely woman, a woman of my dreams. Things seemed to be going ok for us if she did not comment on my drinking or the associated antics post drinking. She did not comply, which made us fight a lot, I became physically and verbally abusive – I became a monster! If that wasn’t enough, I started blatantly cheating on her, and made a mockery of the institution called marriage. Things were getting way out of hand. My parents, extended family, everyone, could see what I was doing to myself but didn’t know what to do about it, or rather I never gave them the opportunity to express themselves and what they were feeling. I had made everyone an emotional-hostage. 2016 was very eventful for me; without going into detail, I got drugged and kidnapped, went to jail and missed all my family events like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals etc. because of my alcoholism. Icing on the cake – my career was in the toilet, because I’ve developed this reputation of being a very capable, smart, presentable, but a hopeless drunk, in the industry I operate in.

What does the future hold for me? I know I can work and bring back a good reputation – because there is the good stuff about me too. My wife and I have separated, happened sometime mid-2016, but we are trying to work things out, my family has a new-found respect and happiness toward me. Life is good, and there is only opportunity waiting for me.

How did all this happen? My family cared for me and got me help, when I couldn’t see that I needed help, or didn’t want to see it, rather. They got in touch with the good people at Hope Trust, Hyderabad, in the month of August and got me an admission for a residential program at the facility. That has been one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten in my life; which is my life back. The facility operates in a very professional manner, where they use intellect for persuasion and motivation, rather than brute force, and they get the message through. If you think that I have a good way of expressing myself, from the above content, well, Hope gave me the hope to do that, honestly, being open-minded and willing. If you asked me in August, before I went to Hope, to write something like this, I would have said that I am a playboy-millionaire and I drink socially! Ah! That makes me laugh a bit now!

Hope Trust is managed by professionals who have extensive experience dealing with alcoholism and drug addiction. They have a wonderful in-patient facility, with regular input sessions, 24/7 in-house medical staff, and counselors accessible at any time. They follow a 12-step recovery program, which if followed by anyone thoroughly, will ensure sobriety; examples are there in your community. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to get my life back, with a big thank you to Hope Trust.”

Dr. Grazyna (London, UK)

Thank you for giving me hope of a better life for my son. I trust you have looked after him very well and he is a stronger man now. I hope he will stay in touch with you. Many thanks.

Solanki (Surat, Gujarat)

Hope Trust is not just a rehab, it’s a noble place where all addicts and their families find peace. The therapy team is like family. God bless!

Karl S (London, UK)

Thank you for this new lease of life and a chance at living as a productive member of society. I hope my sobriety lasts as long as my life.

Mustafa D (Mumbai)

My stay here was a spiritual journey. Got a lot of insight into myself with the guidance of my counselor.

Mirvat A (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

I found what I was looking for. I was graced and blessed with understanding. I live. Thank you, Hope Trust.

Pariseema D (Ahmadabad, Gujarat)

I came here 3 months ago with lots of uncertainty and many more questions in my mind. But today I am going back with lots of hope and good memories about the centre, the way they took care of my husband with love and compassion. I owe a lot to you. My best wishes.

Malak O (Muscat, Oman)

Truly a life-changing and inspirational experience. Thank you so much Hope Trust and all the counselors, you have given me hope for a new life. I am so grateful for your existence. Love to all of you!

Dr. Ravi K (New Delhi)

Hope Trust is a very committed organization where all the technical/ admin staff are very courteous and professional. We are extremely satisfied in the treatment provided to our son.

Vijay K (Coimbatore)

Hope has been the right choice for my son’s recovery from addiction and other problems. The counselling is detailed and to the mark. Everyone at Hope has been warm and professional in approach.

Amit D (Ahmadabad, Gujarat)

Extremely grateful for your timely help. We had trusted your services and are very happy to have done that.

Rishi (Hyderabad)

Thanks for helping me cope with my addiction and saving me from a self-destructive pattern I was stuck in.

Ravi D (Mumbai)

While leaving, all I can say at the moment is that I leave lighter, more energetic, and with hope, excitement and vigor for my life ahead – none of which I had when I came. Thank you!

Kumar S (Chennai)

I found the program very structured. I could see the changes in my wife when I came down couple of times for interventions sessions. My confidence in the program and that my wife will recover increased after I read all the Al-anon literature and started attending Al-anon meetings as suggested by our counselor. It was difficult initially to accept the fact that I cannot reach my wife at will. However, seeing the positive impact that program had on her over the past 3 months makes the wait worth it. Thank you for your help.

99Tasneem D (Mumbai, India)

Hope Trust is by far the best rehab I have dealt with. The entire program is so perfectly planned and implemented. It’s everything that you read about actually being implemented. The knowledge and experience here is tremendous. We will definitely be in touch. Thank you very very much!

Yohan S (Philadelphia, USA)

Life was not good before I came to Hope Trust. I’ve been here before. Almost 10 years ago I was here to recovery from alcoholism. Life was hard after leaving the first time. In fact, it only took me a couple years coming back to the USA to learn that without a program in my hand, I was not going to last long. Everything that Hope Trust taught me in recovery and warned me about was correct and I relapsed as a result. I not only relapsed on alcohol, but I progress to crack cocaine and needed help. I went to a treatment center in the USA where I spent 24 days and relapsed again 3 weeks later. After selling things, hurting family members and losing money, there was only one place in the world who I knew deep down could help me get over my pain, my addiction and everything that surrounded it, Hope Trust. Within a week I was on a flight to India and admitted myself to the facility.

I was welcomed with open arms. I was committed to getting over this. The only thing that I wanted out of the program was to learn how to stop killing myself and to stop hurting others. It is not what I wanted in life. It was not the type of credit I wanted to have within my family. My experience at Hope Trust was better than the first time. With all the knowledge I have obtained over the years in my program, I never failed to learn anything new about myself. These were things that I did not know previously and could not have figured out on my own.

The program laid out to offer was great. I developed a structure which I have taken with me home to the USA and have implemented in my daily routine. The counselors and the institute’s knowledge about the program is amazing. They understood where I came from, despite the cultural difference and experienced a lot of the things I experienced. They continued to talk to my family and allow them to understand how I was as an addict. They helped tremendously and gave me the tools to maintain my sobriety. Today, I am not just sober away from alcohol or drugs but I maintain emotional, mental and physical sobriety, a concept which I never grasped until Hope Trust explained it to me.

Today I am an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have a sponsor and I stay in touch with Hope Trust to share the joys and pains of everyday life which I can now feel and experience without the use of chemicals. I am alive today because of Hope Trust and my counselors and I am alive today because of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am forever in their debt with a responsibility to help others and be kind, a spiritual aspect I could not have developed without the help of Hope Trust. I thank you!

Y. Simpson (USA)

To Be, Or Not to Be – my recovery from addiction at Hope Trust

Counseling to me means friendship and guidance. Nothing more than a direction of good faith and trust that is formed into a magical change and forever lasting memory of hope and prosperity. Overcoming the hands of addiction is not an easy job. In fact, it is probably one of the most difficult things for any human being to do. If you had asked me during my military days where I stood a post with a bottle of Brandy in my hand, that I would be the hope of a suffering alcoholic to overcome his addiction and save his life, I would probably laugh at the notion. Then I would drink to the impossible. Yet, God works in mysterious and unpredictable ways.

I sometimes wonder how it happened to me. Being an American from South Brunswick, New Jersey without knowledge of India’s values and traditions would I be able to do such a thing. Working with people that I knew nothing about was beyond my comprehension.

I came to Hope Trust broken, beaten, ugly and lifeless. Without a direction or a right path in life, ambitions or goals, freedoms or jails, I walked in the door in the clearest form of a nothing.

I was shown, and I followed without the knowledge of what is to be? I just walked with those who knew. In time, I was made to feel in a way that I never had felt before, happy. I wasn’t drinking. I was 25 years old and everyone kept telling me that I had my whole life ahead of me. It was not too long after that, when opportunity knocked on my door and I accepted. At the time, all other doors were closed for me and I did not have any options. But now, I realize that I did have an option. There are only two ways of life for Alcoholics and Addicts, Recovery and Active Addiction. I chose the righter path to better living.

Difficulties followed as I was phased into the world of counseling. I was told not to be like others and most of all could not find a healthy balance to deal with myself as I was dealing with others. My emotions and my thoughts began racing as I never thought I was capable of doing the right thing by another human being. I was having enough trouble trying to do the right thing for myself, and my recovery. I wanted everything faster than I could handle it and was not even close to where I thought I should be. I did not think I was good and in no time, I was on the fast track to losing myself again. Feeling good about myself was not in my line of sight during this time. I stepped myself out of the field with no place to go, and in a struggle to find another option in life for me to take, but I couldn’t. Little did I know, the answer that I was looking for was right in front of me but my self-obsessions did not allow me to see anything clearly, I was blind.

A little while later, someone had sat me down and said that I was a good counselor and that they knew that I was capable. The one thing that struck me the most was when this individual said, “I can see that spark in your eye.” From that day forth, I knew that this was something that I was made for. Helping people as they have helped me and develop a new way of life into a path of positive energy and faith.

The things that I have lost in my life due to this fatal disease of addiction has been a gift in disguise. Today, I have no regrets for what I have lost and have every bit of gratitude to what I have gained. A life that I can be proud of, and look forward to. A strength that I never thought I had to ask for help and talk to people. Today, I cannot express in words, how grateful I am to those who said I can do it, and I am something special. And to those who let me inside there home to tell me it’s okay, and made me who I am today, a counselor, a friend, and most importantly, a good human being. And only with that friendship and guidance, I choose to be. Thank you to all!

Ahmed (Balushi, Oman)

“My son has been suffering from addiction since past 4 years. We first took him to Egypt, then Saudi Arabia, but he relapsed soon after returning to Muscat. Then someone who had been there suggested Hope Trust in India. He not only left drugs, but there was a big change in his personality. We are really happy with him now. We are very thankful to the great team at Hope Trust”.

Naresh G, (Pune, India)

Rehab, I thought, was a place where people with addiction problem go and stay so that they can break the cycle of addiction. I also thought that once in a rehab, people get lot of time to exercise, read, think and work on themselves. For me it meant freedom from Alcohol and outside problems.

I came to Hope Trust thinking of finding solutions to all my problems. Not only Alcohol but also all other things bothering me and my Life. My very first day in the rehab made me think that the place is not what I had expected. Totally contrary to my ideas of ‘Freedom’, the place was full of disciplinary rules. There was a prescribed time for everything: wakeup, sleep, morning prayer, food, sessions, tea, yoga, nap or rest and free time. I was neither used to this nor expecting to focus on such small things. I wanted to focus on bigger issues in my Life.

However, after initial days of restlessness and irritation, I started realizing the importance of focusing on small things. I realized that it was actually the accumulation of not focusing on small things that lead to developing defects in characters that finally lead towards inability to find peace in life. Every small thing that was against my will irritated me and crushed my ego. Slowly I started settling down and accepting things. Limitations of communication with the outside world, made me realize the importance of that world and how I was taking it for granted.

I also could identify my weak areas, with the help of counselors and group sharing, I started learning more about myself. I learnt a lot from the experiences shared by other group members. I was not alone. I was not the only one who was suffering. The whole group became my ‘alter-ego’. Nothing to hide from them. I was loosening, I was getting comfortable.

Suddenly I realized that this is what I was always looking for. I was finding my answers, solutions and hope. I was becoming a believer.

Initially I had problems accepting certain things explained by counselors. One day the ‘director’ asked us “How do you think God communicates”? I got the answer when he said “He talks through people”. I never had any problem in accepting things after that.

I used to think that the best way to find peace was to go in solitude, think, meditate and find answers myself. Peace for me was absence of turmoil.

What I realized was that finding peace surrounded with people, surrounded by limitations and by restlessness is the real meditation. Life is like that only. I need to find peace in living daily normal life and not in solitude and escapism.

The biggest thing that I learnt and started practicing at Hope Trust was to ask for help. The whole world and God are available for help, only if I ask for it. Asking for help is my responsibility and so is my well being.

I am so glad I came to Hope Trust, and so grateful.

- Naresh G (Pune, India)

Dr. Sandya Ravishankar (Bangalore, India)

“Dedicated people giving excellent care. Parents can assure themselves of effective treatment for their wards”

– Dr. Sandya Ravishankar, Bangalore, India

Samir Patel (UK)

“It’s hard to describe just how complete this programme is. It covers all the bases as far as recovery is concerned. They haven’t left a stone unturned as far as my recovery goes. It’s now up to me, but I’m eternally grateful to all the staff”

– Samir Patel, UK

Zuliana and Shamash Manji (Kenya)

“Excellent institution! Wonderful approach. Very homely. Great staff. Would recommend to others. Keep up the good work!”

When i first came to Hope Trust, I was a mentally and physically broken man but I would never have admitted that to myself let alone some one else . After many failed attempts at stopping drinking on my own, I told myself i have to be me more open mind regarding my recovery but I still had certain conditions which blocked my progress. But when I let go and started truly listening to the therapists at Hope Trust were telling me, a new outlook on life began to blossom. It was not immediate or profound, it came slowly... helped along by me being rigorously honest with myself and my feelings . I learned about exactly who I am today and what defects that have plagued me for so many years instead of being depressed or confused about it , my life became clear and finally I had some purpose and direction. I became much more humble, patient and tolerant.

The path forward was not intimidating, I wanted to take that first step. understanding myself and my problem was what I was missing and words can not do justice to how liberating this has made me feel! Hope Trust didn’t just teach me how to stop drinking, but the holistic approach gave me a tool kit and an instruction manual on how to rebuild my life, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Rakesh Agarwal (Darjeeling)

Dear Rajeshwari M'am, Rahul Sir and Dr. Prasad, Firstly, I thank each one of you for all the support rendered to me to

enable me to come into sobriety once again and due to which I can proudly say that today is my 1st sober B'day.

After my relapse, I had almost given up and thought that “I'm the unfortunate one who is naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty". I wasn't able to adjust in any treatment centre and was very prone to running away or compulsively exit. But Hope Trust was a place where I opted to stay for 15 days more. Recovery is not a bed of roses and I'm sure you will remember the amount of pain I went through during my detox. But one thing is for sure that miracles do happen in recovery!

Today I'm well settled. Apart from all the monetary gains now I'm associated with a rehabilitation centre here in Siliguri near Darjeeling since last seven months. Here, as I'm a key person, I'm trying to implement many things I've learnt from Hope Trust. However, how's everything there? I remember all the fellow members very fondly. Some of them were of great help during my early days. I hope they're all doing well now.

Every time I remember you all I thank my Higher Power, I came across such wonderful people. I miss Hope Trust and just wish I could come and stay there for a few days!

Once again Thanks for everything.

Lots and Lots of luv n regards,

Sandeep (UK)

I used to live in constant fear and have huge resentments against everyone. I tried covering up my shame and guilt with arrogance.

I was suffering from low self-worth which I compensated with grandiosity. My relationships with my wife, son and parents were totally broken. I was constantly changing jobs. I lost touch with my values and God.

Thanks to Hope Trust, I have come to terms with myself. I now know the tools to stay sober and my relationships shall hopefully improve. Finally, there is hope. I now go to bed without guilt or shame and wake up without a hangover. I look forward to the joys of a new day every day.

All this was possible only because of the 'tough love' I got at Hope Trust. I shall always be grateful and will come back each year to express my gratitude.

V. Singh (New Delhi)

"Well, Hope Trust has been a rich experience. When I came to this temple I was a parody of shame and unmanageability. My thinking

was infected and behavior highly objectionable. I had tried various methodologies to stop but failed miserably".

This place however changed my life. The truly commendable therapy adopted here is very effective on people from all walks of life, whatever their cultural backgrounds. The exercises here are designed to make the client look at themselves from a different perspective and truly...it works! I'm eternally grateful to Hope Trust for lifting me out of the pockets of wasteful life I was stuck in. G.O.D ( Good Orderly Direction) is here!"

Piyush

I had been drinking from the past 13 years, but it got to be a daily routine since the last 4 years.

Initially it used to be a couple of pegs a day, and then gradually increased to more than a bottle a day. I could not start my day without a drink and used to have my first drink early in the morning, when any sane and normal person would be having his morning cup of tea.

Drinks started taking over my life not just physically but mentally too. My life was revolving around my drinking because of which I started losing friends, family and my business. I had reached such a stage where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. The first few days in the rehab was pure misery for me. I used to feel trapped and betrayed by my family. After a couple of days I started realizing in the therapy sessions that I was not alone as I used to think in my problem, and could identify with other alcoholics and addicts. I started to enjoy my stay there because I was learning more about my problem and was living among people with a similar problem.

The counsellors over there were very humane and compassionate people who where willing to help in any way possible. Looking back I realize that my stay over there was the turning point in my life towards the positive, my attitude towards life underwent a dramatic change. The rehab taught me to face life on life's terms and emerge a winner. After coming out I realized that there was no shame in admitting that I am an alcoholic. I realized that on the road to recovery and maintaining my sobriety people started respecting me more and were more open with me than before.

My family is more relaxed around me and my friends whom I had lost started coming back into my life. I also made many new friends in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, who had gone through similar experiences. The stay in the rehab was the best thing to have happened to me! Not only did it give me an insight into this extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal disease, but also taught me, and armed me with tools to deal with it on a daily basis.

Dr. Masood (USA)

"Hope Trust is the place where I got back my lost values and my family, which I lost due to my addiction. I also gained tremendous awareness about myself.The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful".

Armaan

I am a recovering drug addict. I started drinking heavily and abusing drugs when I was 16. I didn't realize what

was happening to me and soon I was in the grip of addiction. I couldn't stop using drugs and everyday would find a reason to get high. Slowly, I was so addicted to it that I had to use every day to survive. But I couldn't do anything when I was using, my brain was so clouded that I didn't realize that I was making a mistake and most importantly I didn't know that there was way to stop.

I hit rock bottom when I lost 3-4 yrs of my educational career, lost the trust and faith of my family and most importantly lost faith in god. Every night there was violence at home. I was admitted to Hope Trust on March 19th 2003. I was tricked into coming there otherwise I would have never gone. Once there the company of other recovering addicts and alcoholics (like me) made me relax. I felt that there are other people like me when I met them and shared our experiences. I was really down and I was very guilty about the whole thing as my mind started to clear up in the 4-5 days of detoxification. When I spoke to my counsellor I realized that there are people who care for me and would like to see me live happily, I was really motivated to quit drugs.

As the weeks passed and as I attended the sessions and followed the daily routine, I began to understand the ill effects of drugs on my body, mind and soul and also on the people around me. I realized that I cannot drink or use drugs "socially". I was taught how to keep away from drugs and alcohol and most importantly how to say NO. I was taught anger management and learnt humility. Today I am trying to complete my graduation. I celebrated my 1 yr clean time in the rehab. By using the same program I have quit smoking and am able to get a broader and clearer perspective to life.

Rafiq Ul Alam (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

I was badly addicted to Yaba. It nearly killed me. Thank God, my family brought me here. The people here are so understanding. Now I am going back with lots of hope. My family also is very happy.

Sean Simon (New Jersey, USA)

I was hooked onto oxycodone. First I was in a rehab in US, then another one in Thailand. Finally, I came to Hope Trust on recommendation of my psychiatrist. Wow! The program here is the best! No superficial luxuries or talk. It’s very effective. I’m a changed person now. Thanks, Hope!

Hope Trust is by far the best rehab I have dealt with. The entire program is so perfectly planned and implemented. It’s everything that you read about actually being implemented. The knowledge and experience here is tremendous. We will definitely be in touch. Thank you very very much!

Life was not good before I came to Hope Trust. I’ve been here before. Almost 10 years ago I was here to recovery from alcoholism. Life was hard after leaving the first time. In fact, it only took me a couple years coming back to the USA to learn that without a program in my hand, I was not going to last long. Everything that Hope Trust taught me in recovery and warned me about was correct and I relapsed as a result. I not only relapsed on alcohol, but I progress to crack cocaine and needed help. I went to a treatment center in the USA where I spent 24 days and relapsed again 3 weeks later. After selling things, hurting family members and losing money, there was only one place in the world who I knew deep down could help me get over my pain, my addiction and everything that surrounded it, Hope Trust. Within a week I was on a flight to India and admitted myself to the facility.

I was welcomed with open arms. I was committed to getting over this. The only thing that I wanted out of the program was to learn how to stop killing myself and to stop hurting others. It is not what I wanted in life. It was not the type of credit I wanted to have within my family. My experience at Hope Trust was better than the first time. With all the knowledge I have obtained over the years in my program, I never failed to learn anything new about myself. These were things that I did not know previously and could not have figured out on my own.

The program laid out to offer was great. I developed a structure which I have taken with me home to the USA and have implemented in my daily routine. The counselors and the institute’s knowledge about the program is amazing. They understood where I came from, despite the cultural difference and experienced a lot of the things I experienced. They continued to talk to my family and allow them to understand how I was as an addict. They helped tremendously and gave me the tools to maintain my sobriety. Today, I am not just sober away from alcohol or drugs but I maintain emotional, mental and physical sobriety, a concept which I never grasped until Hope Trust explained it to me.

Today I am an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have a sponsor and I stay in touch with Hope Trust to share the joys and pains of everyday life which I can now feel and experience without the use of chemicals. I am alive today because of Hope Trust and my counselors and I am alive today because of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am forever in their debt with a responsibility to help others and be kind, a spiritual aspect I could not have developed without the help of Hope Trust. I thank you!

Counseling to me means friendship and guidance. Nothing more than a direction of good faith and trust that is formed into a magical change and forever lasting memory of hope and prosperity. Overcoming the hands of addiction is not an easy job. In fact, it is probably one of the most difficult things for any human being to do. If you had asked me during my military days where I stood a post with a bottle of Brandy in my hand, that I would be the hope of a suffering alcoholic to overcome his addiction and save his life, I would probably laugh at the notion. Then I would drink to the impossible. Yet, God works in mysterious and unpredictable ways.

I sometimes wonder how it happened to me. Being an American from South Brunswick, New Jersey without knowledge of India’s values and traditions would I be able to do such a thing. Working with people that I knew nothing about was beyond my comprehension.

I came to Hope Trust broken, beaten, ugly and lifeless. Without a direction or a right path in life, ambitions or goals, freedoms or jails, I walked in the door in the clearest form of a nothing.

I was shown, and I followed without the knowledge of what is to be? I just walked with those who knew. In time, I was made to feel in a way that I never had felt before, happy. I wasn’t drinking. I was 25 years old and everyone kept telling me that I had my whole life ahead of me. It was not too long after that, when opportunity knocked on my door and I accepted. At the time, all other doors were closed for me and I did not have any options. But now, I realize that I did have an option. There are only two ways of life for Alcoholics and Addicts, Recovery and Active Addiction. I chose the righter path to better living.

Difficulties followed as I was phased into the world of counseling. I was told not to be like others and most of all could not find a healthy balance to deal with myself as I was dealing with others. My emotions and my thoughts began racing as I never thought I was capable of doing the right thing by another human being. I was having enough trouble trying to do the right thing for myself, and my recovery. I wanted everything faster than I could handle it and was not even close to where I thought I should be. I did not think I was good and in no time, I was on the fast track to losing myself again. Feeling good about myself was not in my line of sight during this time. I stepped myself out of the field with no place to go, and in a struggle to find another option in life for me to take, but I couldn’t. Little did I know, the answer that I was looking for was right in front of me but my self-obsessions did not allow me to see anything clearly, I was blind.

A little while later, someone had sat me down and said that I was a good counselor and that they knew that I was capable. The one thing that struck me the most was when this individual said, “I can see that spark in your eye.” From that day forth, I knew that this was something that I was made for. Helping people as they have helped me and develop a new way of life into a path of positive energy and faith.

The things that I have lost in my life due to this fatal disease of addiction has been a gift in disguise. Today, I have no regrets for what I have lost and have every bit of gratitude to what I have gained. A life that I can be proud of, and look forward to. A strength that I never thought I had to ask for help and talk to people. Today, I cannot express in words, how grateful I am to those who said I can do it, and I am something special. And to those who let me inside there home to tell me it’s okay, and made me who I am today, a counselor, a friend, and most importantly, a good human being. And only with that friendship and guidance, I choose to be. Thank you to all!

“My son has been suffering from addiction since past 4 years. We first took him to Egypt, then Saudi Arabia, but he relapsed soon after returning to Muscat. Then someone who had been there suggested Hope Trust in India. He not only left drugs, but there was a big change in his personality. We are really happy with him now. We are very thankful to the great team at Hope Trust”.

Rehab, I thought, was a place where people with addiction problem go and stay so that they can break the cycle of addiction. I also thought that once in a rehab, people get lot of time to exercise, read, think and work on themselves. For me it meant freedom from Alcohol and outside problems.

I came to Hope Trust thinking of finding solutions to all my problems. Not only Alcohol but also all other things bothering me and my Life. My very first day in the rehab made me think that the place is not what I had expected. Totally contrary to my ideas of ‘Freedom’, the place was full of disciplinary rules. There was a prescribed time for everything: wakeup, sleep, morning prayer, food, sessions, tea, yoga, nap or rest and free time. I was neither used to this nor expecting to focus on such small things. I wanted to focus on bigger issues in my Life.

However, after initial days of restlessness and irritation, I started realizing the importance of focusing on small things. I realized that it was actually the accumulation of not focusing on small things that lead to developing defects in characters that finally lead towards inability to find peace in life. Every small thing that was against my will irritated me and crushed my ego. Slowly I started settling down and accepting things.Limitations of communication with the outside world, made me realize the importance of that world and how I was taking it for granted.

I also could identify my weak areas, with the help of counselors and group sharing, I started learning more about myself. I learnt a lot from the experiences shared by other group members. I was not alone. I was not the only one who was suffering. The whole group became my ‘alter-ego’. Nothing to hide from them. I was loosening, I was getting comfortable.

Suddenly I realized that this is what I was always looking for. I was finding my answers, solutions and hope. I was becoming a believer.

Initially I had problems accepting certain things explained by counselors. One day the ‘director’ asked us “How do you think God communicates”? I got the answer when he said “He talks through people”. I never had any problem in accepting things after that.

I used to think that the best way to find peace was to go in solitude, think, meditate and find answers myself. Peace for me was absence of turmoil.

What I realized was that finding peace surrounded with people, surrounded by limitations and by restlessness is the real meditation. Life is like that only. I need to find peace in living daily normal life and not in solitude and escapism.

The biggest thing that I learnt and started practicing at Hope Trust was to ask for help. The whole world and God are available for help, only if I ask for it. Asking for help is my responsibility and so is my well being.

“It’s hard to describe just how complete this programme is. It covers all the bases as far as recovery is concerned. They haven’t left a stone unturned as far as my recovery goes. It’s now up to me, but I’m eternally grateful to all the staff”

When i first came to Hope Trust, I was a mentally and physically broken man but I would never have admitted that to myself let alone some one else . After many failed attempts at stopping drinking on my own, I told myself i have to be me more open mind regarding my recovery but I still had certain conditions which blocked my progress. But when I let go and started truly listening to the therapists at Hope Trust were telling me, a new outlook on life began to blossom. It was not immediate or profound, it came slowly... helped along by me being rigorously honest with myself and my feelings . I learned about exactly who I am today and what defects that have plagued me for so many years instead of being depressed or confused about it , my life became clear and finally I had some purpose and direction. I became much more humble, patient and tolerant.

The path forward was not intimidating, I wanted to take that first step. understanding myself and my problem was what I was missing and words can not do justice to how liberating this has made me feel! Hope Trust didn’t just teach me how to stop drinking, but the holistic approach gave me a tool kit and an instruction manual on how to rebuild my life, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Dear Rajeshwari M'am, Rahul Sir and Dr. Prasad, Firstly, I thank each one of you for all the support rendered to me to

enable me to come into sobriety once again and due to which I can proudly say that today is my 1st sober B'day.

After my relapse, I had almost given up and thought that “I'm the unfortunate one who is naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty". I wasn't able to adjust in any treatment centre and was very prone to running away or compulsively exit. But Hope Trust was a place where I opted to stay for 15 days more. Recovery is not a bed of roses and I'm sure you will remember the amount of pain I went through during my detox. But one thing is for sure that miracles do happen in recovery!

Today I'm well settled. Apart from all the monetary gains now I'm associated with a rehabilitation centre here in Siliguri near Darjeeling since last seven months. Here, as I'm a key person, I'm trying to implement many things I've learnt from Hope Trust. However, how's everything there? I remember all the fellow members very fondly. Some of them were of great help during my early days. I hope they're all doing well now.

Every time I remember you all I thank my Higher Power, I came across such wonderful people. I miss Hope Trust and just wish I could come and stay there for a few days!

I used to live in constant fear and have huge resentments against everyone. I tried covering up my shame and guilt with arrogance.

I was suffering from low self-worth which I compensated with grandiosity. My relationships with my wife, son and parents were totally broken. I was constantly changing jobs. I lost touch with my values and God.

Thanks to Hope Trust, I have come to terms with myself. I now know the tools to stay sober and my relationships shall hopefully improve. Finally, there is hope. I now go to bed without guilt or shame and wake up without a hangover. I look forward to the joys of a new day every day.

All this was possible only because of the 'tough love' I got at Hope Trust. I shall always be grateful and will come back each year to express my gratitude.

"Well, Hope Trust has been a rich experience. When I came to this temple I was a parody of shame and unmanageability. My thinking

was infected and behavior highly objectionable. I had tried various methodologies to stop but failed miserably".

This place however changed my life. The truly commendable therapy adopted here is very effective on people from all walks of life, whatever their cultural backgrounds. The exercises here are designed to make the client look at themselves from a different perspective and truly...it works! I'm eternally grateful to Hope Trust for lifting me out of the pockets of wasteful life I was stuck in. G.O.D ( Good Orderly Direction) is here!"

I had been drinking from the past 13 years, but it got to be a daily routine since the last 4 years.

Initially it used to be a couple of pegs a day, and then gradually increased to more than a bottle a day. I could not start my day without a drink and used to have my first drink early in the morning, when any sane and normal person would be having his morning cup of tea.

Drinks started taking over my life not just physically but mentally too. My life was revolving around my drinking because of which I started losing friends, family and my business. I had reached such a stage where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. The first few days in the rehab was pure misery for me. I used to feel trapped and betrayed by my family. After a couple of days I started realizing in the therapy sessions that I was not alone as I used to think in my problem, and could identify with other alcoholics and addicts. I started to enjoy my stay there because I was learning more about my problem and was living among people with a similar problem.

The counsellors over there were very humane and compassionate people who where willing to help in any way possible. Looking back I realize that my stay over there was the turning point in my life towards the positive, my attitude towards life underwent a dramatic change. The rehab taught me to face life on life's terms and emerge a winner. After coming out I realized that there was no shame in admitting that I am an alcoholic. I realized that on the road to recovery and maintaining my sobriety people started respecting me more and were more open with me than before.

My family is more relaxed around me and my friends whom I had lost started coming back into my life. I also made many new friends in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, who had gone through similar experiences. The stay in the rehab was the best thing to have happened to me! Not only did it give me an insight into this extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal disease, but also taught me, and armed me with tools to deal with it on a daily basis.